Story
A Solid spy tale
The Metal Gear Solid series is home to one of the richest and most interesting storylines in video game history - and now you can enjoy a large part of it in the stunning Metal Gear Solid HD Collection on PlayStation Vita.
Featuring PlayStation 2 classics Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, you control the legendary secret agent Snake through a number of thrilling scenarios spanning from the political hotbed of the Cold War during 1964 to a high-tech age of 2009. Although you won't be playing as the same Snake throughout both games...
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection prides itself on complex and dynamic storytelling, helped by incredible movie sequences. Whether you decide to start with Metal Gear Solid 3 (which is set at the very beginning of the series), Metal Gear Solid 2 or the very first Metal Gear, which was originally released on the MSX2 system and is included as a nice extra here, you can expect plenty of shocking plot twists, jaw-dropping set pieces and a keen sense of humour.
Presentation
Sneak peek
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection throws you into a shadowy world of spies, terrorists and sci-fi - and now you can take this convincing tale anywhere you go with PlayStation Vita.
Combining PlayStation 2 hits Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection makes great use of the crystal clear 5" OLED screen. From the dank corridors of Metal Gear Solid 2 to the haunting Soviet jungle of Metal Gear Solid 3, the visuals are an impressive showcase and full of great touches. Bandanas flail in the wind and shadows are not just a throwaway detail - they can alert you to the presence of guards... and warn them of your location if you're not careful enough.
The striking in-game visuals and stirring Harry Gregson-Williams soundtrack are complemented by engrossing movie sequences that capture the tension of a spy movie and the spectacular set pieces of a Hollywood blockbuster. Fancy getting even closer to the action? Run your fingers across the touchscreen to pan and zoom the camera around while the story plays out.
With its charismatic heroes and villains, clever use of historical archive footage and comprehensive options, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection takes you on a gripping journey that will capture your imagination.
Gameplay
Silence is golden
Controlling various versions of spy and special operations soldier Snake, the Metal Gear games drop you behind enemy lines for a variety of perilous missions. Whether you're in the metallic hallways of Metal Gear Solid 2 or the humid jungle of Metal Gear Solid 3, armed guards are everywhere. Direct confrontation is unwise, so sneaking from location to location is essential. Sentries investigate sounds, shadows or movement, so you have to be creative to prevent discovery.
While you can use lockers and even a trusty cardboard box to fool your foes in Metal Gear Solid 2, Metal Gear Solid 3 ramps up the tension even more by dropping you in the great outdoors. Use face paint and camouflage gear to blend into the environment, although try not to disturb the wildlife - unless you need Snake to hunt and eat the occasional animal to keep his strength up.
Not to say you'll be sneaking around everywhere. Both Metal Gear titles have spectacular action sequences to turn up the heat when you least expect it. Battles, especially during the inventive boss fights, are electrifying. And while your skills will be challenged, you'll always come back for one more attempt.
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection comes into its own on PS Vita by using the portable system's unique control methods. Use the touchscreen to select your weapons and items, look around corners and even mend broken bones in Snake Eater. And if you own the game on PlayStation 3, use Cross-Save to transfer your trophies and game progress to your PS3 and vice versa via PlayStation Network or a local Wi-Fi connection to continue where you left off.
Packed with extras, including the original Metal Gear game which was released on the MSX2 system in 1987, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection delivers three classic titles in one unbeatable package. And thanks to the portability of PS Vita, you can grab a sneaky game whenever and wherever you want.
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